Method for installing and removing automatic lift-type mobile facility, method of automatic lift-type power generation, and automatic lift-type mobile facility

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A which is one of the equipment within the automatic lift-type mobile facility that is adapted to be loaded onto the rear of a carrying vehicle (a), comprising a power generation section  1 A which is a component of said mobile facility, supplies electric power by generating said power, and includes cubicle  3 A, prime mover equipment  4 A, and electric power equipment  5 A, and an automatic lifting-and-lowering section  2 A which includes chassis  6 A, outriggers  7 A, jacks  8 A, universal casters, and a remote controller.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 09/420,014, filed Oct. 18,1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for installing and removing anautomatic lift-type mobile facility adapted to be used for the automaticlifting and lowering operation of a mobile facility which is designed tobe mobile for installation at a desired location to accomplish a desiredtask, an automatic lift-type electric power generation method when saidmobile facility is an electric power generation equipment unit, and anautomatic lift-type mobile facility which is directly applied for theembodiment of the foregoing.

Mobile power generation equipment has been used in such applications asa power supply on construction sites, a temporary power supply for theduration before normal power supply is available, or an emergency powersupply under circumstances where the normal power supply is suspendedunexpectedly or expectedly according to a predetermined schedule.

For example, mobile power generation equipment has been used as a meansof private power generation for such facilities as fire preventionfacilities, public communication systems, flight control systems,medical institutes, nuclear reactors where power failure even for aminimum length of time is permitted for their social responsibilities.In these applications, normal power supply is switched to emergencypower supply when a power failure occurs and then switched back when thenormal power supply is resumed.

However, in order to maintain the normal performance of the emergencypower supply mentioned above, periodical inspection of the emergencypower supply and servicing for adjustment and repair of affected partsand functions are necessary, which inevitably interrupts theavailability of the emergency power supply since such servicing work,requiring an overhaul of the emergency power supply equipment, mayrequire a minimum of one day and a maximum of 10 days. During suchsuspended use of the emergency power supply equipment due to servicing,mobile power generation equipment is used as the substitute for saidemergency power supply equipment.

For installing said mobile power generation equipment at a desiredlocation demanding a power supply, mobile power generation equipment isloaded onto a carrying vehicle such as a standard motor-truck, largelorry, or trailer in accordance with the weight and size of saidequipment. When loading the mobile power generation equipment onto sucha carrying vehicle at the storage or shipping plant, slinging work withnecessary slinging materials must be performed by slinging operators andthen a mobile crane which is a load handling system must be operated bya crane operator.

After loading the equipment onto a carrying vehicle, the vehicle isdriven by a driver to transport the mobile power generation equipment toa desired location of use. Then the mobile power generation equipment isinstalled at said location by slinging the equipment with slingingmaterials and with slinging operators in attendance and unloading saidequipment by the use of a crane operated by an operator.

In the same manner, when removing the mobile power generation equipmentfrom said desired location of use, slinging work with necessary slingingmaterials must be performed by slinging operators and then a mobilecrane must be operated by a crane operator to load said equipment onto acarrying vehicle such as a standard motor-truck, large lorry, ortrailer. After that said equipment is transported to said storage planton the carrying vehicle.

In addition to the examples described above, a mobile power-supplyvehicle D provided with power generation equipment and a vehicle as anintegrated unit, which falls under a special vehicle category, as shownin FIG. 9 has been used. FIG. 9 is an internal view of a conventionalmobile power-supply vehicle, with (a) and (b) being top view and sideview respectively.

The mobile power-supply vehicle D comprises a driver's cab d1 providedon a truck body d which transports said power generation equipment, anda power generation section 1D which is loaded integrally on theload-carrying platform d2 and generates electric power. The powergeneration section 1D includes a cubicle 3D which is a housing, primemover equipment 4D which supplies prime mover for electric power supply,and electric power equipment 5D which generates electricity by using theprime mover supplied by the prime mover equipment 4D and supplieselectricity as demanded.

The mobile power-supply vehicle D does not require procedures such asthe loading or unloading of any item at a desired location of use of thesystem. Installation of the power generation section iD is completed byparking the mobile power-supply vehicle D itself in place.

The description above is related to mobile power generation equipment,however, other mobile facilities such as test equipment including aliquid rheostat, containers or other casing mechanism, mobile zoo oramusement, mobile swimming pool or hot spring, mobile shops, and othertypes of mobile structures, mobile displays at trade shows or the likehave been loaded, transported, unloaded, installed, and removed in thesame way, supported by slinging work with necessary slinging materials,with slinging operators in attendance and a mobile crane or other typeof load handling system operated by a crane operator as well.

There are some cases where said mobile facility and carrying vehicle areintegrated, for example, truck campers.

In the use of a conventional mobile power generation equipment unit,however, a load handling system as well as slinging materials arenecessary, which has created a problem in that the size of the systembecomes extremely large. In addition, further problems in connectionwith the necessity of having a crane operator and slinging operators inaddition to the driver of the carrying vehicle. In particular, it isbecoming increasingly difficult to secure a crane operator since theoperator has to possess an operating license.

When a crane is used, the operation runs the risk of endangeringoperators as well as equipment and facilities on the operation site dueto the risk of a crane toppling or a load falling off the crane.Furthermore, if the carrying vehicle should break down on its way to thedesired location of use and a new vehicle should be dispatched to thepoint of breakdown, a crane must also be dispatched for extra unloadingand loading procedures.

With the size of mobile power generation equipment unit having beenincreased, the carrying vehicle must also be larger. As a result, theroads and the route to be taken by the vehicle for transportation arelimited, or in the worst case the transportation plan itself becomesdifficult to accomplish. In the same way, with the size of mobile powergeneration equipment unit having been increased, the operation area mustbecome proportionally larger and the ground must be cured sufficientlyto be firm enough to support the whole system.

Furthermore, when a large mobile power generation equipment unit isspecified for installation, problems arise in that it is very hard tosecure said mobile power generation equipment unit itself since thenumber of large systems is limited and the transportation distancebecomes extremely long in connection with the difficulty in securingsuch system. In addition to these problems, when a crane is used, theoperation runs the risk of endangering operators as well as equipmentand facilities on the operation site. So it is impossible to installsuch mobile facilities at a place where no crane operation is permitted.

The problems mentioned above are related to mobile power generationequipment, however, the same type of problems apply to other mobilefacilities. For example, mobile facilities with outriggers provided atfour corners of a container are divided into two types. One is withoutriggers attached to the corners of the container, with saidoutriggers protruded. The other type is with the outriggers accommodatedinto recesses created at the four corners of the container body, withthe recesses extending the full height of the respective containers.When these types of containers are stacked together with otherconventional containers without outriggers, the first type of containersare just a hindrance to the others and the second type is subject tolower structural strength due to different construction relative to theformer type. In both cases, these types of containers must be excludedfrom stacked container storage. So these types of mobile facilitiescannot be transported or stored at a relay station in stack fashiontogether with conventional containers. They must each be transported orhandled independently, which disqualifies them as marine-transportcontainers or land-transport containers.

Another problem with mobile power-supply vehicles is that they cannotuse some public roads if the size and weight of the carrying vehicle isincreased in accordance with the enlarged power generation section justas in the case of the mobile power generation equipment unit mentionedabove.

Although, a mobile power-supply vehicle serve is a highly effectivefirst measure in the event of an unexpected power failure, it is moreoften than not placed in a standby condition at a storage plant for longperiods of time. Even if daily inspections and startup tests areconducted, it is rarely put into actual operation. So it is often thecase that it develops failures once it is mobilized.

Furthermore, if the mobile power-supply vehicle breaks down on its wayto the destination, unless a substitute mobile power-supply vehicle isdispatched, said trouble-ridden vehicle has to remain where it is untilrepaired. It is also necessary for the vehicles to undergo a compulsoryofficial safety inspection of the car once a year or two years. It willthen be put out of service during said inspection and servicing if anyis incidental to said official inspection.

In addition, since each vehicle for the power generation section of amobile power-supply vehicle is designed, structured, and manufacturedindividually in accordance with the dimensions and weight of the powergeneration section, the power generation section cannot be installedonto any other vehicle than the one for which it has been specificallydesigned. An attempt can be made to load the power generation sectiononto a different vehicle but it may be a very difficult arrangement withmany assembly fixtures required. With regard to the legal proceduresrelated to the arrangement above, official registration and inspectionto change the structure of the vehicle are required.

The life of a mobile power-supply vehicle is equal to that of thecarrying vehicle or the power generation section, whichever is shorter.Even if one of them is still usable, for example, if the carryingvehicle has to be put out of service due to emission controls or thelike, both the power generation section and the carrying vehicle have tobe discarded. So it is impossible to install a mobile power-supplyvehicle at a place where no sufficient space is available.

The problems mentioned above are related to mobile power-supplyvehicles, however, the same type of problems apply to mobile facilitiesdesigned to be integral with carrying vehicles respectively.

With the size and weight of said mobile power generation equipment unitand said mobile power-supply vehicle increased in accordance withincreased output level, the electricity demand is often met byinstalling only one system on the site. The greater increase in the sizeand weight of said mobile power generation facility or said mobilepower-supply vehicle, the more difficult it becomes to secure a suitableone for each need. In addition, the transportation of a system with anunusual size and weight is subject to limitations in terms of the use ofpublic roads.

In connection with the above, electric power generation by a singlepower system often results in an inefficient supply of power due to thefact that the fuel consumption for lower (or no) loads remains almostthe same even if the demand is comparatively lower than the maximumoutput level of the system.

Furthermore, in said mobile power generation equipment unit and saidmobile power-supply vehicle, the output cannot be selected between 50 Hzor 60 Hz as desired. Each unit is designed to output on either one ofthese frequency levels. In other words, such systems cannot be commonlyused between districts with two different frequencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With all the problems mentioned above, major objects of the presentinvention are listed below.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a method forinstalling and removing an automatic lift-type mobile facility and anautomatic lift-type mobile facility, whereby the mobile facility iseasily installed or removed to and from a desired place including suchprocedures as loading or unloading said mobile facility onto or from acarrying vehicle such as a standard motor-truck or trailer.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a method forinstalling and removing an automatic lift-type mobile facility, a methodof automatic lift-type power generation, and an automatic lift-typemobile facility which can reduce the constraints of transportation roadson the carrying vehicles for the mobile facilities.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a method forinstalling and removing the automatic lift-type mobile facility, amethod of automatic lift-type power generation, and an automaticlift-type mobile facility which can install said mobile facilityhorizontally even if the ground on the installation site at the desiredlocation of use is so soft or uneven that it must be cured otherwise.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a method forinstalling and removing an automatic lift-type mobile facility, a methodof automatic lift-type power generation, and an automatic lift-typemobile facility which can supply electric power efficiently.

A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a method forinstalling and removing an automatic lift-type mobile facility, a methodof automatic lift-type power generation, and an automatic lift-typemobile facility which can generate electric power applicable todistricts with different frequencies.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from thedescriptions included in the specification and the accompanyingdrawings, especially the respective appended claims.

An apparatus of the present invention, in order to solve the problemsmentioned above, is an automatic lift-type mobile facility comprising amobile facility which completes a desired operation at a desiredlocation of use and an automatic lifting-and-lowering section beingintegral with said mobile facility and being able to carry said mobilefacility on itself, having outriggers which can be horizontally extendedor retracted to and from the center position of either one side or bothsides of said section, jacks which are housed inside the leg sections ofsaid outriggers and can be extended or retracted vertically downward orupward to and from said leg sections, and universal casters which canbob up and down so as to freely control the directional adjustment ofsaid mobile facility by being moved back and forth or rotated clockwiseor counterclockwise.

A method of the present invention, in order to solve the problemsmentioned above, includes installing and removing procedures comprisingautomatic lifting and lowering operations executed with remote controlby radio, directional adjustment of said automatic lift-type mobilefacility by being moved back and forth or rotated clockwise orcounterclockwise by casters, further comprising the loading of saidautomatic lift-type mobile facility onto a carrying vehicle by saidautomatic lifting and lowering operations at the storage plant of saidmobile facility, transporting said automatic lift-type mobile facilityto a desired location of use, unloading and installing said automaticlift-type mobile facility by said automatic lifting and loweringoperations at said desired location of use, loading said automaticlift-type mobile facility onto a carrying vehicle by said automaticlifting and lowering operations at said location of use, transportingsaid automatic lift-type mobile facility back to the storage plant, andunloading said automatic lift-type mobile facility by said automaticlifting and lowering operations at the storage plant.

A method of the present invention, in order to solve the problemsmentioned above, includes a power generation procedure adapted to supplyelectricity to a desired purpose, comprising generating electric powerby using an automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit solelywhich is one of said mobile facilities or generating electric power byoperating a plurality of automatic lift-type power generation equipmentunits connected in parallel and outputting electricity by synchronizing,sharing load, and adding the respective outputs from said powergeneration equipment units connected in parallel, further by selectingeither 50 Hz or 60 Hz frequency as desired, with said automaticlift-type power generation automatically starting or stopping theoperation of power generation and power supply in accordance with theavailability of a fixed power supply.

More specifically, in order to solve the problems mentioned above, thepresent invention is practiced by using novel constituent methods andmeans whose features are listed below, including generic and morespecific concepts.

That is, a first feature of the method of the present invention residesin a method for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility comprising steps of: installing a mobile facility intended toaccomplish a desired task at a desired location of use; and removing themobile facility from the desired location after completion of thedesired task, wherein the method comprises steps of: introducing theautomatic lift-type mobile facility comprising the mobile facility andautomatic lifting-and-lowering means; and automatically lifting andlowering the automatic lift-type mobile facility to a desired height bycontrolling the automatic lifting-and-lowering means.

A second feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the first feature of the method mentioned above,wherein the step of installing the mobile facility at the desiredlocation comprises steps of: selecting optimal combination of theautomatic lift-type mobile facility and a carrying vehicle; loading theautomatic lift-type mobile facility onto the carrying vehicle at astorage plant of the automatic lift-type mobile facility; transportingthe automatic lift-type mobile facility to the desired location with thecarrying vehicle; and unloading the automatic lift-type mobile facilityfrom the carrying vehicle at the desired location, and the step ofremoving the mobile facility from the desired location comprises stepsof: loading the automatic lift-type mobile facility onto the carryingvehicle at the desired location; transporting the automatic lift-typemobile facility to the storage plant with the carrying vehicle; andunloading the automatic lift-type mobile facility from the carryingvehicle at the storage plant.

A third feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the first or second feature of the method mentionedabove, wherein the automatic lift-type mobile facility comprises themobile facility and the automatic lifting-and-lowering means which areinseparably structured each other.

A fourth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the first or second feature of the method mentionedabove, wherein the automatic lift-type mobile facility allows the mobilefacility to be detached when loaded onto the automaticlifting-and-lowering means.

A fifth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the fourth feature of the method mentioned above,wherein the step of selecting the optimal combination of the automaticlift-type mobile facility and the carrying vehicle is executed byselecting the mobile facility loaded onto the automaticlifting-and-lowering means and the carrying vehicle, and the step ofloading the automatic lift-type mobile facility onto the carryingvehicle at the storage plant and the step of unloading the automaticlift-type mobile facility from the carrying vehicle at the desiredlocation are executed by handling the automatic lifting-and-loweringmeans and the mobile facility as an inseparable single body.

A sixth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the second feature of the method mentioned above,wherein the step of selecting the optimal combination of the automaticlift-type mobile facility and the carrying vehicle is executed byemploying conditions inclusive of the level of electric demand, thewidth and weight limitations of a road used for transportation, thedimensions and weight of the carrying vehicle, and the dimensions andweight of an automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit.

A seventh feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the sixth feature of the method mentioned above,wherein the storage plant comprises an automated warehouse automaticallyexecuting selection of the automatic lift-type mobile facility storedand arranged in accordance with the conditions therein and the carryingvehicle, the selection of the automatic lift-type mobile facility andthe carrying vehicle being managed and controlled on the basis ofcomputer calculations by data inputs regarding the conditions in orderto meet a desired schedule for executing the step of selecting theoptimal combination of the automatic lift-type mobile facility and thecarrying vehicle, and the step of loading the automatic lift-type mobilefacility onto the carrying vehicle at the storage plant and the step ofunloading the automatic lift-type mobile facility from the carryingvehicle at the storage plant is mechanically executed by positioning theautomatic lift-type mobile facility in a predetermined place on thebasis of the computer calculations.

An eighth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the second, sixth or seventh feature of the methodmentioned above, wherein the step of loading the automatic lift-typemobile facility onto the carrying vehicle comprises steps of: operatingthe automatic lifting-and-lowering means provided in the automaticlift-type mobile facility; driving a load-carrying platform of thecarrying vehicle directly underneath the automatic lift-type mobilefacility; and operating the automatic lifting-and-lowering means, andthe step of unloading the automatic lift-type mobile facility from thecarrying vehicle comprises steps of: operating the automaticlifting-and-lowering means provided in the automatic lift-type mobilefacility loaded onto the carrying vehicle; driving the load-carryingplatform of the carrying vehicle out from under the automatic lift-typemobile facility; and operating the automatic lifting-and-lowering means.

A ninth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the first, second, sixth or seventh feature of themethod mentioned above, wherein the steps of installing and removing theautomatic lift-type mobile facility are executed by freely controllingdirectional adjustment of the automatic lift-type mobile facility asmoved back and forth and rotated clockwise or counterclockwise bywheeling means provided in the automatic lifting-and-lowering meansincluded in the automatic lift-type mobile facility.

A tenth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the first, second, sixth or seventh feature of themethod mentioned above, wherein the step of automatically lifting theautomatic lift-type mobile facility is executed by extending anoutrigger of the automatic lifting-and-lowering means from each side ofthe automatic lifting-and-lowering means and extending a jack housedretractably in an outrigger leg section downward, the step of loweringthe automatic lift-type mobile facility is executed by retracting thejack and retreating the outrigger back into the each side of theautomatic lifting-and-lowering means.

An eleventh feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the first feature of the method mentioned above,wherein the step of lowering the automatic lift-type mobile facility isexecuted by finally receiving the jack in an accommodating recessprovided in the automatic lifting-and-lowering means.

A twelfth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the tenth feature of the method mentioned above,wherein the step of installing the mobile facility is executed byadjusting the extension length of the jack and accordingly adjusting thelifting height of the mobile facility.

A thirteenth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the tenth feature of the method mentioned above,wherein the step of installing the mobile facility is executed, with aplurality of the jacks provided in the automatic lifting-and-loweringmeans, by securing the horizontal balance of the mobile facility byadjusting each extension length of the jacks when the surface of thedesired location is uneven or not horizontal.

A fourteenth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the second, sixth or seventh feature of the methodmentioned above, wherein the step of installing the mobile facility isexecuted with the carrying vehicle parked in place with the automaticlift-type mobile facility loaded onto the carrying vehicle, withoutunloading the automatic lift-type mobile facility from the carryingvehicle, and the step of removing the mobile facility is executed bydriving the carrying vehicle off from the desired location with theautomatic lift-type mobile facility as it is, loaded onto the carryingvehicle.

A fifteenth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the second, sixth or seventh feature of the methodmentioned above, wherein the mobile facility comprises one of amarine-transport container and a land-transport container, each of thecontainers being capable of stacking vertically, and the steps oftransporting the automatic lift-type mobile facility to the desiredlocation and to the storage plant are executed correspondingly with oneof a cargo ship and a cargo train.

A sixteenth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the first, second, sixth or seventh feature of themethod mentioned above, wherein the mobile facility comprises one oftesting equipment inclusive of a water rheostat, a mobile structure, amobile display item for a device and the like, a casing mechanisminclusive of a container, and a power generation section generating andsupplying electric power.

A seventeenth feature of the method of the present invention resides ina method for installing and removing an automatic lift-type mobilefacility which has the first, second, sixth or seventh feature of themethod mentioned above, wherein the mobile facility comprises powergenerating means capable of being connected in parallel with each other,the automatic lift-type mobile facility comprises an automatic lift-typepower generation equipment unit, and the steps of installing andremoving the automatic lift-type mobile facility are executed with aplurality of the automatic lift-type power generation equipment units.

A first feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod of automatic lift-type power generation by employing at least oneautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit as an automaticlift-type mobile facility installed at a desired location of use ofelectric power comprising steps of: generating the electric power by theautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit transported to andinstalled at the desired location; and supplying the electric power toan end purpose.

A second feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod of automatic lift-type power generation which has the firstfeature of the method mentioned above, wherein the method comprises astep of introducing a plurality of the automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment units, the supplying the electric power beingexecuted by connecting the automatic lift-type power generationequipment units in parallel and being adding each of the outputs fromeach of the automatic lift-type power generation equipment units.

A third feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod of automatic lift-type power generation which has the secondfeature of the method mentioned above, wherein the step of supplying theelectric power is executed by synchronizing each of the outputs.

A fourth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod of automatic lift-type power generation which has the thirdfeature of the method mentioned above, wherein the step of supplying theelectric power is executed by synchronizing phases, voltages andfrequencies of the outputs.

A fifth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod of automatic lift-type power generation which has the second,third or fourth feature of the method mentioned above, wherein the stepof supplying the electric power is executed by sharing an electric loadbetween the automatic lift-type power generation equipment units.

A sixth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod of automatic lift-type power generation which has the first,second, third or fourth feature of the method mentioned above, whereinthe step of supplying the electric power is executed by selecting either50 Hz or 60 Hz for the frequency of the output from the automaticlift-type mobile facility.

A seventh feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod of automatic lift-type power generation which has the first,second, third or fourth feature of the method mentioned above, whereinthe step of supplying the electric power comprises steps of:automatically actuating power generating operation of the automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit upon suspension of powersupply by fixed power supply equipment in accordance with functionalavailability thereof, and automatically deactivating the powergenerating operation of the automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit upon recovery of the power supply by the fixed powersupply equipment.

An eighth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod of automatic lift-type power generation which has the first,second, third or fourth feature of the method mentioned above, whereinthe step of generating the electric power is executed while coolingpower generating means provided in the automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit.

A ninth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod of automatic lift-type power generation which has the eighthfeature of the method mentioned above, wherein the power generatingmeans is cooled with jetting water in executing the step of generatingthe electric power.

A tenth feature of the method of the present invention resides in amethod of automatic lift-type power generation which has the first,second, third or fourth feature of the method mentioned above, whereinthe step of generating the electric power is executed by operating acontrol panel in a control room provided in the automatic lift-typepower generation equipment unit, the control panel being operated by atleast one operator.

A first feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in anautomatic lift-type mobile facility to be installed at a desiredlocation of use and to be removed from the desired location aftercompletion of a desired task comprising: a mobile facility to beinstalled at the desired location; and an automatic lifting-and-loweringsection automatically lifting and lowering the mobile facility, theautomatic lifting-and-lowering section being capable of changing aposition of the mobile facility.

A second feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in anautomatic lift-type mobile facility which has the first feature of theapparatus mentioned above, wherein the mobile facility and the automaticlifting-and-lowering section are inseparably structured each other.

A third feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in anautomatic lift-type mobile facility which has the first feature of theapparatus mentioned above, wherein the mobile facility is detachablyloaded onto the automatic lifting-and-lowering section.

A fourth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in anautomatic lift-type mobile facility which has the first, second or thirdfeature of the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the automaticlifting-and-lowering section comprises: a chassis comprising anunderframe; at least one outrigger provided at the middle point on oneor both sides of the chassis, the outrigger being extended and retractedhorizontally; and a jack attached retractably inside a vertical legsection in the outrigger, the jack being extended and retractedvertically.

A fifth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in anautomatic lift-type mobile facility which has the first, second or thirdfeature of the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the automaticlifting-and-lowering section includes at least one universal castercapable of bob up and down so as to freely control directionaladjustment of the automatic lift-type mobile facility as moved back andforth and rotated clockwise or counterclockwise.

A sixth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in anautomatic lift-type mobile facility which has the fifth feature of theapparatus mentioned above, wherein the universal caster comprises: atleast one wheel; and a power unit contained in the wheel.

A seventh feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides inan automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the first, second orthird feature of the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the automaticlifting-and-lowering section includes a controller unit controllingoperation of the automatic lifting-and-lowering section.

An eighth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides inan automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the seventh feature ofthe apparatus mentioned above, wherein the controller unit comprises aremote control unit operated externally by radio.

A ninth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in anautomatic lift-type mobile facility which has the first or third featureof the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the automaticlifting-and-lowering section includes a loading base plate onto whichthe mobile facility is loaded.

A tenth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in anautomatic lift-type mobile facility which has the first, second or thirdfeature of the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the mobile facilitycomprises one of testing equipment inclusive of a water rheostat, amobile structure, a mobile display item for a device and the like, and acasing mechanism inclusive of a container.

An eleventh feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides inan automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the first, second orthird feature of the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the mobilefacility comprises a power generation section generating and supplyingelectric power, and the automatic lift-type mobile facility comprises anautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit.

A twelfth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides inan automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the eleventh feature ofthe apparatus mentioned above, wherein the power generation sectioncomprises: a cubicle comprising a housing; a prime mover equipmentsupplying prime mover required for electric power generation, the primemover equipment being loaded inside the cubicle; and an electric powerequipment generating electric power by utilizing the prime moverprovided by the prime mover equipment, the electric power equipmentbeing loaded inside the cubicle.

A thirteenth feature of the apparatus of the present invention residesin an automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the twelfth featureof the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the power generation sectionincludes a door for accessing the inside of the cubicle for themaintenance purpose.

A fourteenth feature of the apparatus of the present invention residesin an automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the twelfth featureof the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the power generation sectioncomprises, in place of the cubicle, one of a marine-transport containerfor a container ship and a land-transport container for a containertrain, each of the containers being capable of stacking vertically.

A fifteenth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides inan automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the eleventh feature ofthe apparatus mentioned above, wherein the power generation sectionincludes cooling equipment cooling the power generation section itself.

A sixteenth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides inan automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the fifteenth featureof the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the cooling equipmentcomprises water-jet-type cooling equipment, the cooling equipmentcomprising: a cooling section cooling a radiator by spraying waterthereto; a tank storing the water for the cooling purpose; and afeed-water port through which the water is supplied to the tank.

A seventeenth feature of the apparatus of the present invention residesin an automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the fifteenthfeature of the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the cooling equipmentis provided inside the cubicle.

An eighteenth feature of the apparatus of the present invention residesin an automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the eleventh featureof the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the power generation sectionincludes a control panel controlling the power generation section.

A nineteenth feature of the apparatus of the present invention residesin an automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the eighteenthfeature of the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the power generationsection includes a control room in which the control panel is provided,the control panel being operated by at least one operator.

A twentieth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides inan automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the eleventh feature ofthe apparatus mentioned above, wherein the automatic lift-type mobilefacility comprises a plurality of automatic lift-type mobile facilities,each of the power generation sections in each of the automatic lift-typemobile facilities being capable of being connected in parallel.

A twenty-first feature of the apparatus of the present invention residesin an automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the twentiethfeature of the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the each of the powergeneration sections in each of the automatic lift-type mobile facilitiescomprises: a parallel-operated unit operating in parallel bysynchronizing the output from each of the electric power equipment ineach of the power generation sections and sharing an electric load; anda connecting unit interconnecting each of the electric power equipmentin each of the power generation sections.

A twenty-second feature of the apparatus of the present inventionresides in an automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the eleventhfeature of the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the power generationsection includes a frequency switch for selecting either 50 Hz or 60 Hzfor the output.

A twenty-third feature of the apparatus of the present invention residesin an automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the eleventh featureof the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the power generation sectionincludes an automatic actuating and deactivating unit automaticallyactuating and deactivating power generating operation in accordance withfunctional availability of a fixed power supply.

A twenty-fourth feature of the apparatus of the present inventionresides in an automatic lift-type mobile facility which has the ninthfeature of the apparatus mentioned above, wherein the universal casteris attached on one of the chassis and the loading base plate in such amanner that the universal caster is capable of being retracted inside acaster housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matters of the present invention, itis believed the present invention will be better understood from thefollowing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 shows the loading process for an automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit according to apparatus example 1, anembodiment of the invention, wherein FIG. 1(a) shows a top view and FIG.1(b) shows a side view;

FIG. 2 shows the loading condition of an automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit according to apparatus example 1, wherein FIG.2(a) shows a top view and FIG. 2(b) shows a side view;

FIG. 3 shows the manner of automatic operation of an automatic lift-typepower generation equipment unit according to apparatus example 1,wherein FIG. 3(a) shows a top view and FIG. 3(b) shows a side view;

FIG. 3c shows a mobile facility for testing equipment;

FIG. 4 shows the configuration with a marine-transport container of anautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit according toapparatus example 1, wherein FIG. 4(a) shows a top view with saidoutriggers and jacks extended, FIG. 4(b) shows the side view of same,FIG. 4(c) shows a top view with said outriggers and jacks retracted, andFIG. 4(d) shows the side view of same;

FIG. 5 shows the loading process for an automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit according to apparatus example 2 onto atrailer, wherein FIG. 5(a) shows a top view and FIG. 5(b) shows a sideview;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of the installation of anautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit according toapparatus example 2 onto a trailer, wherein FIG. 6(a) shows a top viewand FIG. 6(b) shows a side view;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of the automaticlifting-and-lowering section provided in the automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit according to apparatus example 2, wherein FIG.7(a) shows a top view and FIG. 7(b) shows a side view;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of the parallel connection of aplurality of automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitsaccording to apparatus example 3; and

FIG. 9 shows an internal view of a conventional mobile power-supplyvehicle, wherein FIG. 9(a) shows a top view and FIG. 9(b) shows a sideview.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the modes for carrying outthe invention represented herein by the embodiment examples for themethods and mechanisms in the present invention are described below,including apparatus example 1, installation and removal method example 1which relates directly to said apparatus example 1; apparatus example 2,installation and removal method example 2 which relates directly to saidapparatus example 2; apparatus example 3, installation and removalmethod example 3 which relates directly to said apparatus example 3, anda power generation method example which relates directly to saidapparatus example 3.

<Apparatus Example 1>

Apparatus example 1 is described below with reference to FIG. 1 throughFIG. 4.

An automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A, which is oneof the mobile facilities according to the apparatus example 1, comprisesthe power generation section 1A which generates and supplies electricityand the self-driven automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2A, whereinsaid power generation section 1A and automatic lifting-and-loweringsection 2A are structured as an integral unit such that the automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit A is regarded as powergeneration section 1A provided with the automatic lifting-and-loweringsection 2A and wherein the automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit is loaded or unloaded onto or off the load-carryingplatform 1 a of the motor-truck a as desired which is a normal-size orlarge motor-truck.

The automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A is designed tointegrate the power generation section 1A into a single body unit withthe automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2A, which results inexcellent characteristics with respect to the dimensions, weight,strength, layout, etc. In addition, the automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit A may be loaded on carrying vehicles otherthan normal carrying vehicle a, such as a trailer.

The power generation section 1A comprises a cubicle 3A which is a casingmechanism, prime mover equipment 4A which is built into said cubicle 3Aand supplies the prime mover for power generation, and electric powerequipment 5A which receives the prime mover from said prime moverequipment 4A and generates and supplies electricity for the desiredpurpose.

The automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2A comprises a chassis 6A,which is shorter than the length of cubicle 3A, which is theinstallation frame of the automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2A,four outriggers 7A which are installed at the four corners of saidchassis 6A and horizontally extendable, and jacks 8A which are installedat the ends of the respective said outriggers 7A and used to adjust thevertical position of said power generation section 1A.

The cubicle 3A comprises jack accommodating recesses 9A whichaccommodate jacks 8A in their retracted condition and keeps them instandby condition.

With reference to FIG. 3, the chassis 6A is provided with universalcasters 10A so as to give free back-and-forth movement to the automaticlifting-and-lowering section 2A as well as allowing the automaticlifting-and-lowering section 2A to follow any unevenness of the ground'ssurface with the up and down bobbing motion of said casters.

The universal casters 10A, for example, allow the automatic lift-typepower generation equipment unit A to move back and forth or to rotateclockwise or counterclockwise to change the direction of movement asdesired by the power of the hydraulic system provided by the verticalshaft or wheel shaft, wherein the driving power may be provided byinstalling a power unit inside each wheel of said casters.

In addition to the examples mentioned above, with reference to FIG. 4,the automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A2 using themarine-transport container 11A applicable to marine transportation orland transportation and load handling procedures related to saidtransportation or a land-transport container applicable to cargo trainsor land transportation and load handling procedures related to saidtransportation may be used in place of said cubicle 3A for powergeneration section 1A. The outriggers 7A and universal casters 10A ofthe marine-transport container 11A or land-transport container areinstalled on both sides, as internally as possible, of the rectangularchassis 6A whose length and width are a little smaller than those of themarine-transport container 11A or land-transport container so as toallow the universal casters 10A to serve more efficiently than thoseinstalled at the four corners of the marine-transport container 11A orland-transport container.

Though not represented in any of the figures, the automaticlifting-and-lowering section 2A has a control unit installed insidecubicle 3A or on chassis 6A which controls the operation of theautomatic lifting-and-lowering section 2A so that automaticlifting-and-lowering section 2A is controlled manually or externally byradio by a remote control unit provided.

The above description relates to apparatus example 1, wherein the powergeneration section 1A provided in the automatic lifting-and-loweringequipment unit A is a power generation unit. However, the mobilefacility may be one for testing equipment 30, as shown in FIG. 3c, withat least one water rheostat 31, a casing mechanism which includescontainers 32, a mobile structure or the like to be installed at thelocation of use 33, a mobile display item 34, wherein the mobilefacility is structured to be integral with the automaticlifting-and-lowering section 2A for a variety of applications.

<Installing and Removing Method Example 1>

This method example is applied to apparatus example 1 and is describedbelow with reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4 as in the case ofapparatus example 1 above.

In this method example, the installing and removing method, forexecuting power generation at the desired location of use which isdistanced from the storage plant of said automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit A, according to the present inventioncomprises a series of procedures including loading said automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit A onto said motor-truck a atthe storage plant, transporting said automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit A to said desired location of use, installingsaid automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A at saiddesired location of use, loading said automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit A back onto said motor-truck a at said desiredlocation of use, transporting said automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit A to the storage plant, and unloading said automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit A at the storage plant.

The first procedure in this method example according to the presentinvention is to install the automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit A at the desired location of use. The optimum combinationof said automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit and saidcarrying vehicle is selected manually or automatically by computer onthe basis of conditions which include the level of electric demand, thewidth and weight limitations of the roads used for transportation, thedimensions and weight of said carrying vehicle, the dimensions andweight of said automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit inaccordance with the operation schedule.

The following descriptions relate to an example wherein the automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit A and a motor truck a areselected as the optimum combination mentioned above.

The automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A is loaded ontothe motor-truck a. The correct loading position is determined byadjusting the direction using the universal casters 10A which areinstalled on the chassis 6A and retracted inside caster housings 6A′when loaded onto said motor-truck, wherein said universal casters canprovide free back-and-forth movement and follow any unevenness of theground's surface with the up and down bobbing motion at each fixed pointfor loading and unloading. Then, the outriggers 7A are extendedhorizontally and the jacks 8A are extended vertically to automaticallylift the mobile power generation equipment unit A. In this step, theuniversal casters 10A are rotated by 90 degrees to be raised up by thehydraulic drive system as required.

Then, the load-carrying platform of the motor-truck a is driven to aposition directly underneath the automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit A. Jacks 8A and outriggers 7A are retracted to beaccommodated inside the accommodating recesses 9A. At the same time,universal casters 10A are rotated and retracted inside the casterhousings 6A′. Next, the automatic lift-type power generation equipmentunit A is automatically lowered so as to be loaded onto the motor-trucka. Otherwise, the automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit Amay be transferred to the loading point using the automatic carriersystem provided in a computer-controlled automated warehouse.

Then, the automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A istransported to the desired location of use where a supply of electricpower is demanded and installed at said location. First, the outriggers7A are extended horizontally and jacks 8A are extended for automaticlifting operation to lift the automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit A above the load-carrying platform of the motor-truck.Next, the motor-truck a located directly under the automatic lift-typepower generation equipment unit A is moved away.

Then, the universal casters 10A are rotated to be raised up and jacks 8Aare retracted. Further, outriggers 7A are retracted to be accommodatedinside the accommodating recesses 9A for automatic lowering operation.The automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A is installedin position using universal casters 10A, wherein said universal casters10A control freely the directional adjustment of said automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit A to be moved back and forthor rotated clockwise or counterclockwise.

The height of the automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit Acan be adjusted for installation at the optimum level by extending theoutriggers 7A and the jacks 8A. The power generation section 1A can beinstalled horizontally by adjusting the extension length of each jack 8Awhen the ground's surface at the desired location of use is nothorizontal or even. Then, the power generation section starts powergeneration and supplies power as desired, for a contracted length oftime. After completion of said contract period and the necessity for apower supply ends, the following procedure is executed.

The second procedure in this method example according to the presentinvention is the removal of the automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit A from said desired location of use. By adopting theabove installation steps in reverse order, the automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit A together with chassis 6A is automaticallylifted by determining the position by means of the universal casters10A, wherein said universal casters 10A move back and forth or rotateclockwise or counterclockwise for directional adjustment, and byextending the outriggers 7A horizontally and extending the jacks 8Avertically. At the same time, the universal casters 10A are rotated by90 degrees to be retracted inside the caster housings 6A′.

Then, the load carrying platform of the motor-truck a is driven to aposition directly underneath the automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit A. The jacks 8A are retracted and the outriggers 7A areretracted to be accommodated inside the accommodating recesses 9A forthe execution of automatic lowering operation by which the automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit A is loaded onto motor-trucka.

Then, the automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A istransported to the fixed loading and unloading point at the storageplant to be unloaded and stored in accordance with fixed storage plantprocedures, wherein the outriggers 7A are extended horizontally and thejacks 8A are extended vertically for the execution of automatic liftingoperation. Thereafter, motor-truck a is driven out from under theautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A.

Then, both jacks 8A and outriggers 7A are retracted to be accommodatedinside the accommodating recesses 9A for the execution of automaticlowering operation. In an automated warehouse, the automatic lift-typepower generation equipment unit A is unloaded and stored at the fixedpoint for storage by moving and adjusting the direction of said movementusing the universal casters 10A which are raised up for operation or byan automatic carrier.

The automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A may be keptloaded as it is on motor-truck a and the motor-truck a may be parked atthe desired location of use for the total duration of the use of theautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A, wherein themotor-truck with the automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitA on board may be removed together after the said period of use. Theback-and-forth movement or directional adjustment by means of theclockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the universal casters 10A canbe executed at anytime as required, in addition to the step mentionedabove.

In addition to the example above, the automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit A2 shown in FIG. 4 which uses stackablemarine-transport containers in place of cubicle 1A of the powergeneration section 1A, for marine-transportation, land transportation,and load handling operations related to said transportation, orstackable land-transport containers for railway transportation, landtransportation, and load handling operations related to saidtransportation which may be employed for marine transportation by shipor railway transportation by freight train in addition to motor-truck afor land transportation.

The operations in the automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2Amentioned above, which include movement and directional adjustment usingthe universal casters 10A, extension and retraction of the outriggers7A, extension and retraction of the jacks 8A are executed by means ofthe remote control unit provided in the automatic lifting-and-loweringsection 2A, which can be operated by the operator by radio, wherein theoperator is protected and is safe from any danger of accident. Sinceremote control by radio does not require any particular license foroperation, even the driver of the carrying vehicle can operate it.

If an automated warehouse is used, said conditions may be input to thecomputer so that the computer will automatically calculate and determinethe optimum combination of an automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit and carrying vehicle, and will load said automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit onto said carrying vehicle fordispatch, or so that said automatic lift-type power generation equipmentunit will be stored in said automated warehouse automatically.

Consequently, only the driver of the motor-truck a is necessary for theoperation of power supply. A crane for load handling, slingingmaterials, crane operator, and slinging operators are all unnecessary,making the operation simple and easy. The dangers incidental to craneoperation are eliminated. In addition, the remote control operation ofthe automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2A ensures much easier andsafer operation. Furthermore, the required working area is reduced toincrease the number of applications available.

Just as in the case of apparatus example 1, the method example describedabove can be widely applied to any installing and removing methodcomprising the loading, unloading, and transportation of an automaticlift-type mobile facility, wherein the mobile facility to be installedat the desired location of use is structured to be integral with saidautomatic lifting-and-lowering section 2A.

<Apparatus Example 2>

Apparatus example 2 is described below with reference to FIG. 5 throughFIG. 7. The tow tractor of the trailer is omitted from both FIG. 5 andFIG. 6.

An automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit B, which is anindependently structured mobile facility, comprises the power generationsection 1B which generates and supplies electricity and the self-drivenautomatic lifting-and-lowering section 2B which automatically lifts orlowers the power generation section 1B, wherein said power generationsection 1B is loaded on the 2B which can be easily detached, and whereinsaid automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit B is loaded onthe trailer b.

In the case of the automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitB, the power generation section B is detachably loaded onto theautomatic lifting-and-lowering section 2B, however, the power generationsection B is not structured to be integral with the automaticlifting-and-lowering section 2B. As a result, the characteristics ofapparatus example 2 such as dimensions, weight, strength, layout, andthe like are inferior to those of apparatus example 1.

The power generation section 1B comprises cubicle 3B which is a casingmechanism, the prime mover equipment 4B which supplies the prime moverfor power generation, the electric power equipment 5B which generateselectricity by utilizing the prime mover supplied by the prime moverequipment 4B and supplies electricity as desired, and the loading baseplate 12B to be loaded onto the automatic lifting-and-lowering section2B.

The power generation section 1B further comprises the tank 13B which isattached to cubicle 3B and stores water for a cooling purpose, thecontrol panel 14B which controls the power generation section 1B, thecooling section 15B which is attached to cubicle 3B and executeswater-jet spraying for cooling purpose, the doors 16B which are providedin the cubicle 3B and used to service the prime mover equipment 4B andthe electric power equipment 5B, and the feed-water port 17B which isattached to the cooling tank 13B through which water is supplied to saidtank.

The automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2B comprises a chassis 6Bwhich is shorter than the length of the power generation section 1Bwhich is the outer frame of the automatic lifting-and-lowering section2B, four outriggers 7B which are installed at the four corners of saidchassis 6B and are horizontally extendable, and jacks 8A which areinstalled at the ends of respective said outriggers 7B and used toadjust the vertical position of said power generation section 1B.Cubicle 3B comprises jack accommodating recesses 9B which accommodatejacks 8B.

Since the automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit Bcomprises the loading base plate 12B, tank 13B, control panel 14B,cooling section 15B, and feed-water port 17B, the weight of theautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit B according to thisapparatus example, is heavier than that of apparatus example 1. Themaximum carrying capacity of the vehicle is 4 tons with a normal freighttruck, 10 tons with a large freight truck, and 30 tons with a trailer.Apparatus example 2 is not necessarily loaded onto trailer b. It may beloaded onto a freight truck depending upon the applicable weight.

As in the case of apparatus example 1, a marine-transport container formarine-transportation, land transportation, and load handling operationsrelated to said transportation or a land-transport container for railwaytransportation, land transportation, and load handling operationsrelated to said transportation may be employed, in place of cubicle 3Bof the power generation section 1B,. Thought not represented in any ofthe figures, the automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2B of theautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit 2B comprisesuniversal casters 10A which follow any unevenness of the ground'ssurface with the up and down bobbing motion and a remote control unit asin the case of apparatus example 1.

The above descriptions related to apparatus example 2, wherein the powergeneration section 1B provided in the automatic lifting-and-loweringequipment unit B is a power generation unit as in the case of apparatusexample 1. However, the mobile facility may be one for testing equipmentwith at least one water rheostat, a casing mechanism which includescontainers, mobile items of display, a mobile structure or the like tobe installed at the location of use, wherein the automatic lift-typemobile facility comprises said mobile facility and said automaticlifting-and-lowering section for a variety of applications, wherein saidmobile facility and said automatic lifting-and-lowering section aredetachably loaded onto the load-carrying base plate of the carryingvehicle.

<Installing and Removing Method Example 2>

This method example is applied to apparatus example 2 and describedbelow with reference to FIG. 5 through FIG. 7 as in the case ofapparatus example 2 above.

In this method example, the installing and removing method, forexecuting power generation at the desired location of use which isdistanced from the storage plant of said automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit B, according to the present invention,comprises a series of procedures including loading said automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit B onto said trailer b at thestorage plant, transporting said automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit B to said desired location of use, installing saidautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit B at said desiredlocation of use, re-loading said automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit B onto said trailer b at said desired location of use,transporting said automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit Bto the storage plant, and unloading said automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit B at the storage plant. This method example 2resembles method example 1. Detailed descriptions identical to thosegiven in the case of method example 1 are omitted hereafter.

The first procedure in this method example according to the presentinvention is the installation of the automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit B at the desired location of use. The optimumcombination of said automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitand said carrying vehicle is selected. Since according to this methodexample, the power generation section and the automaticlifting-and-lowering section are loaded detachably with the use of aloading base plate in the automatic lift-type power generation equipmentunit, three items including a power generation section, an automaticlifting-and-lowering section suitable for said power generation section,and a carrying vehicle suitable for loading said power generationsection and automatic lifting-and-lowering section are selected.

The following descriptions relate to an example wherein the powergeneration section 1B of the automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit B, automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2B, and atrailer b are selected as the optimum combination mentioned above.

If power generation section 1B has already been loaded onto theautomatic lifting-and-lowering section 2B at the storage plant of theautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit B, the automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit B is loaded onto trailer b,just as in the case of installing and removing method example 1 above.But, if the power generation section 1B has not yet been loaded onto theautomatic lifting-and-lowering section 2B, it is loaded via the use of acrane or the like only for the first time before the initial use of themobile facility, and thereafter they are handled as an inseparablesingle body. As a result, in the same manner as with installing andremoving method example 1, the automatic lift-type generation equipmentunit B is loaded onto trailer b.

The automatic lift-type generation equipment unit B comprises theloading base plate 12B, tank 13B of power generation section 1B as acooling mechanism, cooling section 15B, and the feed-water port 17B. Asa result, the automatic lift-type generation equipment unit B becomesheavier than the automatic lift-type generation equipment unit A and thecarrying vehicle can be a large one similar to trailer b. In this case,the fact that there are limitations on road use on the basis of thewidth of roads, traffic, maximum load-carrying capacity of roads andbridges must be taken into consideration.

Cubicle 3B may comprise tank 13B of power generation section 1B as acooling mechanism and the feed-water port 17B in addition to coolingsection 15B. Then, the automatic lift-type generation equipment unit Bis transported and installed at the desired location of use for a powergeneration purpose. In the power generation process, the radiator may bepartially or totally sprayed with water to protect the prime moverequipment 14B and to cool the power generation section 1B itself bymeans of tank 13B of the power generation section 1B, the coolingsection 15B, and the feed-water port 17B enabling an efficient andstable power supply. The said cooling method may be replaced by an aircooling method or an air-and-water cooling method. After the completionof the power supply process, the following procedure is executed.

The second procedure in this method example according to the presentinvention is the removal of the automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit B from said desired location of use. During theprocedures of loading, transporting, and unloading in connection withthe removal of the automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitB, the power generation section 1B and the chassis 6B are treated as aninseparable single body. The procedures of loading, transporting, andunloading are executed by adopting the procedures described above inreverse order.

To evaluate the equipment in this method example, the automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit B is inferior to the automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit A in apparatus example 1 interms of dimensions, weight, strength, layout and the like. Though thepower generation section 1B and the automatic lifting-and-loweringsection 2B are treated as an inseparable single body under normalcondition, they can be detached with ease. So the automatic lift-typepower generation equipment unit B is superior to the automatic lift-typepower generation equipment unit A in that either one of them can beremoved and replaced with a new one, in the event that either powergeneration section 1B or the automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2Bbreaks down during the series of procedures described above.

This method example is inferior to method example 1 in that a crane isused only once when loading the power generation section 1B onto theautomatic lifting-and-lowering section 2B at the storage plant prior tothe initial use of the mobile facility. However, compared to the priorart, this method example is superior in that no crane is used at the uselocation.

Since power generation section 1B and the automatic lifting-and-loweringsection 2B are loaded detachably via the use of a loading base plateaccording to this method example, a conventional mobile power generationequipment unit can be employed as the power generation section 1B.

Just as in the case of apparatus example 2, the method example describedabove can be widely applied to any installation and removal methodcomprising the loading, unloading, and transportation of an automaticlift-type mobile facility, wherein the mobile facility to be installedat the desired location of use is loaded detachably via the use of aloading. base plate on automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2B.

<Apparatus Example 3>

Apparatus example 3 is described below with reference to FIG. 8.

Each automatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1 through Cn(n is an integer higher than 1) according to this apparatus example 3comprises a power generation section 1C-1 through 1C-n and an automaticlifting-and-lowering section 2C-1 through 2C-n. Said power generationsections 1C-1 through 1C-n and the automatic lifting-and-loweringsections 2C-1 through 2C-n may be either integral as in the case ofapparatus example 1 or detachable from each other as in the case ofapparatus example 2.

Power generation sections 1C-1 through 1C-n as in the case of apparatusexample 1, each comprises a cubicle 3C-1 through 3C-n, a prime moverequipment 4C-1 through 4C-n, and housing sections and accommodatingrecesses which are not represented in the figure. Power generationsections 1C-1 through 1C-n further comprise parallel-operated unit 18C-1through 18C-n which operates in parallel by synchronizing thefrequencies, voltages, and phases of electricity output from otherautomatic lift-type power generation equipment units and sharing theload, and connecting units 19C-1 through 19C-n which connect theautomatic lift-type power generation equipment units with otherautomatic lift-type power generation equipment units.

Power generation sections 1C-1 through 1C-n are each provided with afrequency selecting unit, though not represented in the figure, whichselects either 50 Hz or 60 Hz for the frequency of the output power.

Said power generation section 1C-1 through 1C-n are each provided withan automatic start and stop unit, though not represented in the figure,which automatically starts or stops the power supply operation inaccordance with the availability of the normal power supply.

The power generation sections may comprise a loading base plate, acooling section, a tank, a control panel, doors, and a feed-water port,as in the case of apparatus example 2.

The automatic lifting-and-lowering sections 2C-1 through 2C-n comprisejacks 8C-1 through 8C-n, a chassis, and outriggers, as in the case ofapparatus example 1 or 2.

<Installing and Removing Method Example 3>

This method example is applied to apparatus example 3 and is describedbelow with reference to FIG. 8 as in the case of apparatus example 3above.

In this method example, the installing and removing method, forexecuting power generation at the desired location of use which isdistanced from the storage plant of said automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment units C-1 through C-n, according to the presentinvention comprise a series of procedures including the loading of saidautomatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1 through C-nonto said carrying vehicle at the storage plant, transporting saidautomatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1 through C-n tosaid desired location of use, installing said automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment units C-1 through C-n at said desired location ofuse, re-loading said automatic lift-type power generation equipmentunits C-1 through C-n onto said carrying vehicle at said desiredlocation of use, transporting said automatic lift-type power generationequipment units C-1 through C-n to the storage plant, and unloading saidautomatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1 through C-n atthe storage plant.

This method example 3 resembles the installing and removing methodexample 1 and installing and removing method example 2. Detaileddescriptions identical to those given in the case of installing andremoving method example 1 and installing and removing method example 2are omitted hereafter.

The first procedure in the method example according to the presentinvention is the installation of the automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit B at the desired location of use. The optimumcombination of said automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitand said carrying vehicle is selected. Since a plurality of automaticlift-type power generation equipment units are connected in parallelaccording to this method example, a plurality of automatic lift-typepower generation equipment units and carrying vehicles suitable for saidautomatic lift-type power generation equipment units are selected.

The following descriptions relate to an example wherein the powergeneration section 1B of the automatic lift-type power generationequipment units C-1 through C-n and respective carrying vehicles areselected as the optimum combination mentioned above.

Then, the automatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1through C-n are each loaded onto separate carrying vehicles via the useof outriggers and universal casters, and transported to the desiredlocation of use, and further installed after adjustment to the optimumposition for each installation.

Next, power generation is executed by each of the automatic lift-typepower generation equipment units C-1 through C-n. The applicable powergeneration method is described in the <Power Generation Method Example>below. After completion of power supply, the following procedure isexecuted.

The second procedure in the method example according to the presentinvention is the removal of the automatic lift-type power generationequipment units C-1 through C-n from said desired location of use. Theprocedures of loading, transporting, and unloading the automaticlift-type power generation equipment units C-1 through C-n in theremoval procedure are executed by adopting the procedures describedabove in reverse order.

<Power Generation Method Example>

This method example is applied to apparatus example 3 and is describedbelow with reference to FIG. 8 as in the case of apparatus example 3above.

The power generation method according to this method example comprisesconnecting the automatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1through C-n in parallel and generating electricity.

By using the connecting units 19C-1 through 19C-n of the automaticlift-type power generation equipment units C-1 through C-n which arereferred to in <Installing and Removing Method Example 3> above, theelectric power equipment 5C-1 through 5C-n of the respective powergeneration sections 1C-1 through 1C-n installed in place at the desiredlocation of use for the demand of electricity are connected in parallel.After that, power generation is started.

The electric power equipment 5C-1 through 5C-n of the power generationsections 1C-1 through 1C-n are connected in parallel via the use ofconnecting units 19C-1 through 19C-n, and then power generation isstarted.

The total output is equal to the sum of the respective outputs from theautomatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1 through C-n.The respective outputs of power generation undergo the synchronizationof the frequencies, voltages, and phases by the parallel-operated units18C-1 through 18C-n, otherwise if different outputs from each of theautomatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1 through C-n arerequired, the output power is adjusted using the load sharing functionof the parallel-operated units 18C-1 through 18C-n.

When the automatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1through C-n comprise a frequency selecting unit, the automatic lift-typepower generation equipment units C-1 through C-n can supply electricityto districts of both 50 Hz and 60 Hz frequencies as necessary.

With this frequency selecting unit, not only is a power supply availablein any district from the north to the south of the country but a powersupply is also available even during the summer months and in thesouthern districts that are subject to high temperatures or strongdirect sunlight which are the main causes of system overheat, oncondition that the automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitsC-1 through C-n are provided with cooling equipment including a coolingsection, a tank, a feed-water port, and the like.

Since the automatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1through C-n are each provided with an automatic start and stop unit, thepower supply can be automatically switched to the automatic lift-typepower generation equipment units C-1 through C-n by automaticallystarting the automatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1through C-n if the normal power supply shuts down and power supply canbe automatically switched to the normal power supply when the normalpower supply resumes by automatically selecting the normal power supplyfrom the automatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1through C-n and automatically stopping the automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment units C-1 through C-n at the same time, when theautomatic lift-type power generation equipment units C-1 through C-n areused as an emergency power supply.

With this automatic start and stop unit provided, the operation forswitching the power supply does not require any operator to be inattendance, fuel for power generation is saved, and an efficient powersupply is realized.

The power generation mode with the use of said frequency selecting unitand said automatic start and stop unit is applicable to the powergeneration according to apparatus example 1 or 2 where the automaticlift-type power generation equipment units are operated singularly.

The power generation is controlled by the control panel described inapparatus example 2. When said control panel, housed in a control room,is provided within cubicles 3C-1 through 3C-n, control operation can beexecuted inside the control room.

As is obvious from the descriptions above, power generation byconnecting automatic lift-type power generation equipment units inparallel eliminates the need for providing special automatic lift-typepower generation equipment units with a high output capacity even whenthe demand is great. Such a great demand is satisfied so long as thetotal sum of the output by said automatic lift-type power generationequipment units connected in parallel can reach the required level.

For example, when the demand is 1000 kW, connecting two automaticlift-type power generation equipment units with an output capacity of500 kW each in parallel can substitute for using a single automaticlift-type power generation equipment unit with a capacity of 1000 kW.

With this advantageous characteristic of the method, further increasesin the size and weight of the automatic lift-type power generationequipment units to obtain a greater capacity are prevented, to eliminatethe limitations related to transportation arrangements. For example,when a large automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit for agreat output capacity is required to be transported on a trailer, aplurality of automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit eachwith lower output capacity can be transported on large or normal freighttrucks which are subject to fewer constrains related to the conditionsof the roads when compared to those which apply to trailers.

In addition, in connection with such large or normal freight trucks, thenumber of drivers qualified to drive them is larger than that for thosequalified to drive trailers, which means it is easier to secure carryingvehicles as well as drivers.

Furthermore, this power generation method has another excellent feature.That is, if a single automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitis used and the demand increases to a higher level than originallyanticipated, the particular automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit in use must be replaced with another unit with a highercapacity, while in the present invention, the addition of anotherautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit only is required tomeet the total demand level when a plurality of automatic lift-typepower generation equipment units is connected in parallel as describedabove are employed.

For example, when the demand level is changed from 1000 kW to 1500 kWwhich is met with two automatic lift-type power generation equipmentunits with a capacity of 500 kW each, it is only necessary to addanother automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit with acapacity of 500 kW to be connected in parallel with the two previouslyarranged.

If only a single automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit isused and the particular automatic lift-type power generation equipmentunit breaks down, no power supply can be expected. However, if aplurality of automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitsconnected in parallel according to this method and as described above,are employed and one of those units breaks down, the particularautomatic lift-type power generation equipment unit in trouble can bedisconnected with the power supply maintained for the mean time beforethe replacement unit is delivered. In short, this method operates on alow-risk basis.

Even when the demand is lower than the output capacity of the powergeneration section of the automatic lift-type power generation equipmentunit, the low-load (or no-load) fuel consumption of the power generationsection of the automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit doesnot change. As a result, operating a single automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment unit is not economical. On the other hand, aplurality of automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitsconnected in parallel according to this method and as described above,if combined for high efficiency as a whole, can reduce the low-load (orno-load) fuel consumption to operate a power supply both efficiently andeconomically.

A plurality of automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitsconnected in parallel according to this method and as described above,can meet a great demand by forming groups of a plurality of automaticlift-type power generation equipment units connected in parallel. And aplurality of automatic lift-type power generation equipment unitsconnected in parallel according to this method and as described above,can also meet a lower level of demand by dividing said groups toconstitute a suitable number of units to suit the designated purpose. Soeach automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit is utilizedefficiently.

It is further understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoingdescriptions are preferred embodiments of the invention disclosedherein. The embodiments mentioned above are therefore illustrative andnot restrictive and various modifications in the methods or mechanismstherein may be made without departing from the objects and effects orthe spirit and scope of the invention.

In accordance with the descriptions related to the present inventionabove, the invention with an automatic lift-type mobile facilitycomprising the mobile facility and automatic lifting-and-loweringsection can bring about such improvements as mentioned below ininstalling and removing said automatic lift-type mobile facility.

As has been described above, the loading and unloading procedures whichdo not require the use of a crane, which means a reduction in the numberof operators and the radio control system further results in simplifiedand safe working procedures. The automatic lift-type mobile facility canbe transported without restrictions related to roads and installed inany position at the desired location of use, even if the surface of theinstallation is uneven, irregular, or narrow.

When said mobile facility and said automatic lifting-and-loweringsection are structured to be integral with each other and inseparable,not only does it have excellent characteristics with respect to thedimensions, weight, strength, and layout but also the advantage ofeliminating the process of loading the mobile facility onto theautomatic lifting-and-lowering section is resulted. On the other hand,when said mobile facility and said automatic lifting-and-loweringsection are structured to be detachable from each other, the risk oftotal breakdown can be reduced by replacing either one of the two.Compared to the conventional mixed transportation method, thetransportation method according to the present invention which includesthe use of self-driven marine-transport containers or land-transportcontainers allow transportation by ship or train in addition to groundtransportation.

With the power generation method in which a plurality of automaticlift-type power generation equipment units is connected in parallel,further increases in the size and weight of the automatic lift-typepower generation equipment units for a greater capacity are prevented toeliminate the limitations related to transportation arrangements. Inaddition, said method can reduce the risk of a total breakdown of thesystem, lower the low-load (or no-load) fuel consumption, and furtherrealize effective utilization of each of the automatic lift-type powergeneration equipment units by dividing groups of a plurality ofautomatic lift-type power generation equipment units to constitute asuitable number of units to the purpose.

With said frequency selecting unit, automatic start and stop unit, andcooling equipment provided, the automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit can supply electricity to districts of both 50 Hz and 60Hz frequencies as necessary, automatically start or stop powergeneration in accordance with the availability of a normal power supply,and realize efficient power generating operation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for installing and removing an automaticlift-type mobile facility comprising steps of: installing a mobilefacility intended to accomplish a desired task at a desired location ofuse; and removing said mobile facility from said desired location aftercompletion of said desired task, wherein said method comprises steps of:introducing said automatic lift-type mobile facility comprising saidmobile facility and automatic lifting-and-lowering means; andautomatically lifting and lowering said automatic lift-type mobilefacility to a desired height by controlling said automaticlifting-and-lowering means, wherein said step of installing said mobilefacility at said desired location comprises steps of: selecting optimalcombination of said automatic lift-type mobile facility and a carryingvehicle; loading said automatic lift-type mobile facility onto saidcarrying vehicle at a storage plant of said automatic lift-type mobilefacility; transporting said automatic lift-type mobile facility to saiddesired location with said carrying vehicle; and unloading saidautomatic lift-type mobile facility from said carrying vehicle at saiddesired location, and said step of removing said mobile facility fromsaid desired location comprises steps of: loading said automaticlift-type mobile facility onto said carrying vehicle at said desiredlocation; transporting said automatic lift-type mobile facility to saidstorage plant with said carrying vehicle; and unloading said automaticlift-type mobile facility from said carrying vehicle at said storageplant.
 2. A method for installing and removing an automatic lift-typemobile facility according to claim 1, wherein said step of selectingsaid optimal combination of said automatic lift-type mobile facility andsaid carrying vehicle is executed by employing conditions inclusive of alevel of electric demand, width and weight limitations of a road usedfor transportation, dimensions and weight of said carrying vehicle, anddimensions and weight of an automatic lift-type power generationequipment unit.
 3. A method for installing and removing an automaticlift-type mobile facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said mobilefacility comprises one of testing equipment inclusive of a waterrheostat, a mobile structure, a mobile display item for a device, acasing mechanism inclusive of a container, and a power generationsection generating and suppying, electric power.
 4. A method forinstalling and removing an automatic lift-type mobile facility accordingto claim 1 or 2, wherein said mobile facility comprises one of a casingmechanism inclusive of a container, and a power generation sectiongenerating and supplying electric power.